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A DELAYED BIRTHDAY 



A HANUKAH PLAY 



BY 

EMILY GOLDSMITH GERSON 



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NEW YORK 

BLOCH PUBLISHING COMPANY 
" The Jewish Book Concern" 



Copyright, 1910, by Blocfa Publishing Company, New York. 



CHARACTERS 



Mr. BERNHEIM the father 

Mrs. BERNHEIM the mother 

BERTHA thetr 18-year-old daughter 

MIRIAM THETR 15-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER 

AARON THEIR 12-YEAR-OLD SON 



SCENE: A PRETTY ROOM 



©CI.D 22877 
TMP92-009254 






" 1 



A Irlagrit Itrtltftaij 



( Bertha is sitting beside the center table as curtain 
rises. She sighs — consults her watch — rises with im- 
patience and paces up and dozen stage. ) 

Bertha: It is too bad that x\aron keeps me waiting 
like this. I promised to be at the Sabbath School at 
5 o'clock to decorate the place for to-morrow's Hanu- 
kah entertainment, and now it is four, and he's not here 
yet. When he does come I'll wager he won't know 
his lines. Pear me! 1 hope he won't break up the 
affair. It's a great responsibility to be one of the teach- 
ers and have your own brother on the program. I 
w< >nder — 

Aaron {rushes in all dishevelled. He is in foot- 
ball trousers and cap. 1 1 olds ball under his arm ) : 
Hope I didn't keep you waiting, sis. Couldn't help it; 
we had a swell game just now. 1 tell yon what — if we 
fellow- keep up the good work, we'll be on top next 
year when \vr get on the high-school team. 

BERTHA: Judging from the way you look, you must 
have been at the bottom of somewhere, this afternoon. 
(Holds him at arm's length.) You certainly look a 

3 



sight; but never mind that now. The all-important 
thing is, do you know your poem ? 

Aaron: Oh, I guess I'll pull through in a pinch. 
Don't you bother that little brain of yours about me 
— I'll be all right. 

Bertha (fafes him sternly) : Aaron Bernheim, if 
you disgrace me I'll never forgive you, never! Re- 
member I'm personally responsible for you and you 
must recite well and be a credit to me. Now stand 
there (places him in center of stage) and begin. (She 
stands to one side.) Now put your heels together, 
hands down at your side, head up and — 

Aaron : Say, sis, what shall I do with my nose ? 

Bertha : Please be serious. You get on my nerves. 

Aaron (recites, making funny faces and gestures) : 
You'd scarce expect one of my age 
To speak in public on the stage; 
If I should chance to fall below 
Demosthenes or Cicero — 

Bertha: That won't do at all (pushes him aside). 
Now watch me do it. (She takes the center of stage, 
bows very low, and recites the four lines with many 
gestures and frills. Aaron stands behind her, to one 
side, burlesquing her movements. When she has fin- 
ished, she turns to Aaron and says) : Now that's the 
way it should be done. 

Aaron : All right; I'll try it. (He places himself in 
the center of stage and is about to begin when Miriam 
walks quickly into the room. She throws her books 



on the tabic, her hat on one chair and her coat on an- 
other. She sinks wearily in an arm-chair, exclaiming) : 

Miriam : I'll never be able to remember it. I wish 
the class hadn't seleeted me to make the presentation 
Speech! I used to love llanukah, but this time I hate 
it. Instead of enjoying the entertainment, I'll be nerv- 
ous and fidgety, and when finally I get up to present 
Rabbi Lindon with the books, I'll bungle my speech 
and make a mess of it. 

Aaron (goes up to her): Shake, sister; we'll fall 
together. 

Miriam : Listen, how does this sound? (Takes pa- 
per out of her pocket and reads dramatically.) Be 
loved teacher: We, your confirmation class, in appre- 
ciation of your gentle guidance and untiring zeal — 

Aaron : It sounds slushy to me. Am sorry I for- 
g< >t my rubber shoes. 

Bkrtha: You never wrote that high-falutin' speech 
yourself, Miriam. • 

Miriam : Who said that I did, Smarty? I see you 
are in no mood to listen (folds paper in disgust and 
puts it away). I'm going to my room to study. If 
anybody inquires where I am, say I'm not to be dis- 
turbed. (Goes out. ) 

Aaron: Eioity toity — Miss Proudy I — (hears a 
whistle outside). That's Sam Cohen. I promised to 
go "ii an errand with him. (Puts on cap and, while 
going out, says) : Ta-ta. sifter. Will study after sup- 

5 



per. See you later at the school house. (He disap- 
pears, giving a, war-whoop outside.) 

Bertha (sinks back in chair sighing) : There never 
was such a boy. I wish I could leave him out of the 
entertainment. (Consults her watch.) Mercy! It 
is quarter to five — I'll barely make it. (Rushes out.) 

Mother (entering from other door) : I see Miriam 
is at home. (Picks up coat and ha,t and straightens up 
room, saying) : I know I should not be angry with 
them because they are all so busy with their various 
duties and speeches for the Hanukah entertainment, 
but I feel hurt that not even my husband should have 
thought of my birthday. The day is almost over, and 
I have received not one congratulation, to say nothing 
of presents. Last year they made so much of my 
birthday. Oscar gave me this lovely ring (turns ring 
on her finger admiringly). Bertha made me a darning 
bag; Miriam gave me six handkerchiefs which she em- 
broidered herself, and Aaron — bless his big heart — 
he had spent all his money on marbles, so he gave me a 
box of taffy. What a contrast to this birthday ! 1 
never would have thought it possible. Such neglect ! 
My mother-pride is wounded. Shall I tell them? 
(Stands reflecting a minute.) No! I'll wait until the 
Hanukah lights are lit and the singing is over, and 
then I'll burst the news on them. I know it will be 
like thunder out of a clear sky. They'll feel dreadful 
about their neglect ! Now I will get the candelabra 
ready for Papa and Aaron to light. (Goes out the 



same door she came in. Mr. Bernheim enters a mo- 
ment after through other door. He comes in rub- 
bing his hands together, saying) : 

Mr. Bernheim: By Jove, it was a shame to have 
forgotten it, but I — bow could we all — have overlooked 
mother's birthday? I wonder whether she has been 
thinking bard tilings about us all day? Dear little 
wife, she doesn't deserve it from us. She is tbe best 
wife and mother that ever lived. Perhaps she'll for- 
give me when she sees this {draws a jewel ease out 
of his pocket and opens it). If T say it myself, the 
necklace shows good taste. It will please her and 
make up for my seeming neglect. J was rushed this 
week, and that accounts for my forgetfulness. ( Turns 
the box.) My. bow tbe stones sparkle. They are — 

Miriam (enters with paper, studying her speech. 
Sees father, goes up and kisses him) : Good evening, 
father! Oh, a present for me? (Examines the jew- 
els. ) 

Mr. Bernheim: Do you know what date this is, 
Miriam ? 

Miriam (reflectively): Tbe 18th — why, it's moth- 
er's birthday, and we all forgot it. Oh, I'm so sorry! 

Mr. Bernheim: Tbe moment my eye caught tbe 
calendar in my office tbis morning, I remembered. 
1)<> you think mother will like tbis? (Shows jewel.) 

Miriam: Oh, father, it is a beauty! Say, dad. 1 
know where Bertha and Aaron are. I'll go to meet 
them, and we cm buy our gifts on tbe way home. 



Please keep your present until supper time, and we'll 
surprise mother by having the things on her plate. 
Will you? 

Mr. Bernheim : Yes, dear; now run away. (She 
runs out, the father calling after her) : Don't forget 
to take your pocket-book along. 

(Mrs. Bernheim comes in with the candelabra filled 
with colored candles. Places them on the table. Hus- 
band goes up to her and kisses her fondly.) 

Mr. Bernheim: Gut Yomtof, wife! Why, bless 
my heart, how the year has flown. It doesn't seem 
any time since last Hanukah. 

Mrs. Bernheim (looks at him smiling) : Yes, we're 
all a year older — 

Mr. Bernheim (also smiling, and trying to avoid 
her glance) : You look as charming as ever. Will 
supper be ready soon? 

Mrs. Bernheim: Why, it's only half-past five! 
We'll be in luck if we get supper in an hour's time. 
Cook's been in a temper all day. You seem restless. 
Has anything happened to upset you, dear? 

Mr. Bernheim: Yes, I've had a strenuous day. 
How would you like to take a walk before supper? 

Mrs. Bernheim : That's a fine idea. I'll go and 
get my wraps. I'll call you when I'm ready. (Goes 
out.) 

Mr. Bernheim {rubbing his hands together) : I've 
managed to get her out of the way, and now I'll write 
a note to the children and leave it here with this box 



on the tabic. (Goes to the desk and writes) • "Have 
taken mother out for a walk. Arrange the surprise 
and be ready to greet the birthday lady at six-thirty. 
Father." I think I managed that very well, if 1 do 
say it myself. Dear little wife, I hope she'll forgive 
us all for forgetting. 

Mrs. Bernheim (calls): Oscar, I'm ready. (He 
goes out, and the stage is empty for a minute. Then 
enter Aaron, Bertha and Miriam, each carrying a 
package and all in great excitement, talking at once, 
when finally they are quiet.) 

Bertha: I'll never forgive myself, never! 

Miriam : I think these presents will take the sting 
away, some. 

Aaron (who has found the note and box): Gee 
uiz! My eyes! How they sparkle. 

Miriam: Give me the note. (Takes it and reads 
aloud while Bertha leans over Aaron's shoulder to 
look at necklace) : "Have taken mother out for a walk. 
Arrange the surprise and be ready to greet the birth- 
day lady at six-thirty. Father." 

BERTHA: Say, let's set the table for supper in here. 
Il will be more of a real surprise for mother. 

Aaron: The surprise might work the wrong way, 
and then what? 

MlRIAM: You are a wet blanket. Mother's a 
darling and approves of everything we do. 

Bertha: I hope -he'll like my gift. I'll get the 
cloth. You, Aaron, bring in the dishes. Miriam. 



clear the table. Hurry, there is no time to lose. (The 
three busy themselves running in and out, setting the 
table, talking all the while. Aaron trips over the rug 
and drops the knives and forks. Bertha and Miriam 
scold him for his carelessness. They quarrel a little 
over the manner of setting the table. They can put 
in any amount of funny business to amuse the audience 
and can lengthen the setting of the table to suit their 
task.) 

Aaron : Say, let's light the candles and place them 
in the center of the table. 

Miriam : A good idea for one so young. You are 
not so stupid as you look, boy. 

Aaron : Quit yer kidding and get busy. 

Bertha (who has taken flowers out of vase) : How 
will these do for decorating purposes? (Scatters them 
over table.) 

Miriam : Oh, the table looks swell. Do you think 
mother will like the gloves I bought her? 

Aaron : Sure ! She'll make a big fuss over it, at 
any rate. Mothers are so easy. Ours is a cinch! 

Bertha: I hope she'll enjoy the book I bought her. 
When she has read it, I speak for it next. 

Aaron: Isn't that like giving yourself a present, 
sis? I wish I could wear the lace collar I bought her. 
No such luck for poor Aaron ! 

Miriam : You grow more foolish every day. Hand 
me father's box. (She puts it on mother's plate. ) 
I'll put it here. Bertha, your present will fit right 

10 



here. Mine, hand it to me, Aaron (he hands her his 
and her packages) shall lie here, and yours — 

Aaron: Oh, don't mind me. Put mine any old 
place — under the table if you like. 

BERTHA: Hark! Is that father's key in the door? 
Now we won't have time to light the candles. 

Miriam : Come, we'll all stand over there, and when 
mother comes to the door, we'll make a grand rush at 
her and congratulate her. {The three take hands and 
go to the corner farthest away from the door, each 
one trying to hold the other back. Mother appears at 
the door and all rush toward her, calling "Happy 
Birthday!" When the excitement has calmed down, 
mother (joes to tabic.) 

Mother: This is a surprise, children. How does 
the living go: "Better late than never"; isn't it? 

Mr. Bernheim : J should say. "all's well that ends 
well." ( To wife who is opening his present.) How 
d<> you like it? If I do say it myself, it is pretty. 

Mrs. Bernheim : Pretty! It is grand! Thank 
you, dear! {Kisses him.) Now, who gave me this? 
( Takes up box and reads) : "From Aaron to mother, 
'cause he can't afford any other." < Opens it and says) : 
It is very pretty and just what 1 need. ('Fakes up 
another box and reads inscription) : "To mother from 
Bertha. Though more she is worth-o." Thank you, 
Bertha. I'm sure I'll enjoy reading it. 

Aaron: And when you are done, sis >ays she — 
i Bertha puts her hand over his mouth.) 

11 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



Miriam (hands her pat 
this is from me. 

Mrs. Bernheim (read, 
share, with the hope that they wi 
did you know I needed gloves? 




016 103 387 A 

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wear." Now, how 
(Kisses each one of 



the children.) I must say the surprise is complete. 
The table looks lovely, too. 

Mr. Bernheim : You'll forgive us, dear, for the 
delay ? 

Mrs. Bernheim : The better the day, the better 
the deed. See, by waiting, I can celebrate my birth- 
day and Hanukah together, and as Hanukah is my 
favorite holiday, I'm glad you waited. 

Aaron : Didn't I tell you our mother was a cinch ? 
Come, father, let us light the candles, for I'm just itch- 
ing to sing the Mo'os Zur.* (They light the candles.) 

Father: Let's march. All fall in line! (They 
arrange themselves in single file — Father, Mother, 
Bertha, Miriam and Aaron, and march, singing the 
Hanukah Hymn as the curtain drops.) 



* Music, with words, Hebrew and English, are found in the 
"Jewish Hymnal," price 25 cents, published by Bloch Publish- 
ing Company, New York. 

12 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

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016 103 387 A 



